TRADEWIND ENERGY ANNOUNCES SALE OF FLAGSHIP KANSAS WIND FARM

The Diamond Vista wind project will mark Tradewind’s seventh wind project developed and sold in Kansas, and will increase the company’s total Kansas-developed wind power to more than 1,300 megawatts (MW). Tradewind credits the support and dedication of county residents, public officials, and participating landowners for the success of the Diamond Vista wind project, one of the largest developed by the company in Kansas.

“These power purchase agreements not only contribute to the continued increase of wind power resources in the state of Kansas, but also lower the cost of electricity to utility customers and assist corporations in reaching sustainability initiatives and goals,” said Sanjay Bhasin, senior vice president of business development for Tradewind Energy, Inc.

“The wind resource in Kansas continues to produce some of the country’s lowest cost power, which is a tremendous value for our customers,” said Rob Freeman, chief executive officer for Tradewind Energy, Inc. “The expansion of wind power in our home state is due to the foresight of American businesses like Kohler, municipal utilities like CU, and rural cooperatives like TCEC that keep pressing toward sustainability and low-carbon energy solutions. The Diamond Vista wind project is an important accomplishment for the Tradewind development team.”

Located across portions of Marion and Dickinson counties in central Kansas, the project is expected to have a capacity of approximately 300 MW once fully constructed. EGPNA, who will be the long-term owner and operator of the Diamond Vista wind project, has started construction and expects the project to be completed by the end of 2018.

“We are pleased to partner with the Diamond Vista wind project to play a leading role in reducing fossil fuel usage to power the U.S. electrical grid,” said Rob Zimmerman, director of sustainability at Kohler Co. “This project is one component of a comprehensive strategy Kohler has created to achieve its overall goal of being ‘Net Zero’ in greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. In addition, we will continue to drive energy efficiency, implement new manufacturing advancements, and develop new products requiring less energy to make.”

“TCEC is always looking for ways to meet rising demand and control rates for our members,” said Zac Perkins, chief executive officer for TCEC. “Entering into this agreement with the Diamond Vista wind project is an innovative way to achieve those goals and an added benefit to our membership.”

Scott Miller, general manager for City Utilities of Springfield said, “Our mission is to responsibly serve our customers and community beyond their expectations. The partnership with the Diamond Vista wind project will expand our renewable energy portfolio with another high quality wind source. This positions CU to be able to provide low-cost, reliable and environmentally responsible energy to the Springfield community for decades to come.”